Creamy Corn Pasta

/ Recipe

My family loves a cheesy pasta, but the corn and lime juice really brighten this one up. If you aren’t afraid of spice, you can even add some Fresno chiles! This pasta dish comes together in just one pot and one bowl – very easy cleanup to manage during a busy weeknight, which is why I love it. I also requires very minimal prep work.

Highlights

⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 4

🧊 Make Ahead? – No

❄ Freezer Friendly? – No

🌱 Substitutions? – Yes, you can remove the heavy cream entirely if you want a lighter option, or add some Fresno chiles if you want spice. You can also omit the garlic if you don’t like it, but just be sure to add some Italian seasoning if you do!

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb uncooked pasta
  • 4 large ears of corn, husked
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh basil (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1 small Fresno chile, seeds removed, thinly sliced (optional)

  • Salt to taste

 
This recipe contributes 5 items to your weekly list plus 4 pantry staples.

Recipe: Creamy Corn Pasta

  1. Cook pasta according to directions in a large pot on the stove. Drain, reserving 2 cups of pasta water, and then return pasta to the same pot off the heat (set water aside).
  2. While pasta cooks, hold the corn vertically and slice off the cobs into a large bowl. Do your best to grate the knife on the corn to capture all the juices (discard cobs once complete). Add sliced butter, garlic, basil, and chiles if using.
  3. Add corn mixture to the pasta pot and toss to combine over simmering head. Alternate gradually adding heavy cream, pasta water reserves, and grated cheese until all ingredients are included (note you may not need all the water to reach the desired consistency!) It should look like a thickened, glossy sauce.
  4. Squeeze on the lime juice and season with salt as preferred. Serve with an extra dash of parmesan and basil leaves on top.

Family Tips

  • You can amp up the spice with the inclusion of the chile but don’t feel obliged – this pasta is delicious and creamy without the extra punch.
  • I recommend a smaller pasta for this dish e.g., orecchiette, shells, or rotini which will trap the corn and help stick in the sauce